LUSAKA residents who may suspect a case of cholera have been advised not to rush to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) but rather take their patients to a nearest health centre or the created cholera centre at Kanyama clinic.

UTH public relations manager Mwenya Mulenga advised members of the public no to rush people with suspected cholera to the highest referral hospital in Zambia, as a way of averting the current outbreak in the city.

Mr. Mulenga reiterated that such cases should be reported to nearest health centres or the cholera centre at Kanyama clinic.

“This step is being emphasised because when a patient with suspected cholera is brought to UTH, this patient will only be referred back to the cholera centre after laboratory tests have been confirmed.

“This lag period will have an effect on the treatment of the patient and will in turn make the disease more likely to spread to other patients,” he said.

Mr. Mulenga further implored members of the public to continue observing preventive measures against contracting cholera.

“The people have an important role to play, they should avoid overcrowding, always wash hands after using the toilet, drink boiled or chlorinated water, wash hands before and after touching food, among others,” Mr. Mulenga said.

The cholera outbreak in Lusaka was confirmed by the Provincial Medical Office last Friday, with 29 cases been reported and 11 confirmed by laboratory tests.